How I should “earn this”

Tom Hank’s character tells Private Ryan, in the movie Saving Private Ryan, to “earn this”. That scene is important, really driving home one of the main points of the story. Private Ryan, while reminiscing about that moment, expresses how much he tried to live his life in order to earn what that group of soldiers did for him.

Applied to my life, I use the “earn this” mantra more and more often. Are my actions worth it? Is what I do something that will “earn” a positive result? Am I working to ensure that what I do, in both work and personal life, worth what I achieve?

And, it’s also fun to use the “earn this” mantra to other things, like:

Remember the ginormous meal you just ate? “Earn it” by working out, cycling, hiking, etc.

Want something specific from your wife, friend, or family? “Earn it” by doing something for them as well.

That new camera/lens/other photography equipment you want to buy? How do you plan to “earn it”?